In the September News Letter, our Medical Director Anne Flower, gave her Pro Tips for high altitude safety. We also gave a link to one of her many post-race interviews.
| Anne’s Tips |
Ascend Try to acclimatize days before (the more the better, data says 3-5) Stepwise ascent – sleep a night at lower altitude before getting to the goal location Sleep a night in Salt Lake before getting to Park City, Denver before Vail “Hike high, sleep low” build camp well below the summit |
| Hydrate Drink electrolyte containing beverages, days in advance Avoid alcohol, even one drink has a much greater impact than at sea-level |
| Fuel Eat- high carb diet (for acclimatizing and during hike/ run/ bike) Eat- even if you don’t feel hungry Eat- what sounds good (salty vs sweet) |
| Pack Fluids, fuel, jacket, blanket, weather gear (rain, snow, don’t forget sun protection) |
| Medicate Aches/ pain/ headache: ibuprofen, acetaminophen Nausea: zofran Mountain sickness: corticosteroids (dexamethasone) Prophylaxis: Acetazolamide (start at least 1 day before) |
| WARNING! Acute mountain sickness (AMS)1-6hrs at altitude, common after first night’s sleeptreatment: descend, supportive care, steroids High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE)shortness of breath, coughing up blood High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE)severe headache, irritability, confusion |
Check out Anne’s interview with Trail Society!